Warning - Caterpillars !!!

petcross


Joined: 23/09/2010
Posts: 45

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 09:31

Just to warn pet owners that the Processionary Pıne Caterpıllars are around. Usually found near or on pıne trees. These are poısonous to anımals and also cause skın ırrıtatıon ın humans.

japeal



Joined: 12/09/2008
Posts: 1052

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 14:38

Thanks Emma very useful and informative post.

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 16:09

One of our friends had to go to hospital today for treatment,

after being in contact with them in her garden.

Navek

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 16:19

Last year, we had a nest of them in both pine trees. It was like a large spider's cocoon - 8" in circumference; however, attempts to pull it out of the tree with a garden rake proved impossible, so I had to cut off the branch it was attached to. When I cut the cocoon open [not easy!], there were hundreds of hairy caterpillars inside! I didn't touch them; instead, I poured petrol over the whole lot and incinerated it.



I think these caterpillars are nocturnal feeders, returning to their impenetrable cocoon/nest during daylight, which is when I 'zapped' them!

vikingqueen



Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 17:10

I wish I knew how to get rid of them as I have 3 sick trees...

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 17:17

What colour are these things?

Geoff

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 17:33

Hi Geoff,

"The larvae should never be handled as the abundant hairs on their bodies cause extreme irritation to the skin."

Here's some links with info...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Processionary



http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/45335-processionary-pine-caterpillars-beware.html



http://www.euroweeklynews.com/2011012785691/news/mallorca/processionary-pine-caterpillar-dangers.html



Navek

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 17:36

A STORY ABOUT A MAN WHO WAS AFFECTED....(from link above)



HE SHELTERED DURING A RAIN STORM Within seconds of brushing against the tree he became aware of an intense feeling of itching and burning, similar to pins and needles all over him. This later developed into an itchy rash. He went to the chemist who advised an immediate trip to the doctor. At the doctors he was given two injections, cream for the rash and a course of tablets. It is very important to complete the course of tablets as any dust from the tree that has been inhaled can cause lung damage.



The allergic reaction can be caused by the tiniest bit of dust that floats down from an infected tree. You do not have to touch the caterpillar.

coffer


Joined: 13/02/2007
Posts: 292

Message Posted:
16/03/2011 18:01

My wife moved a couple with her golf club as they were in her way on the putting green. Later she put the club back in the bag and within minutes came out in a rash and blisters. If you see them on the ground kill them, they are nasty little pests!

maggymay


Joined: 04/05/2008
Posts: 701

Message Posted:
18/03/2011 08:02

Just to make people aware that last night our 5 month old puppy called Poppy came in contact with one of the dangerous caterpillars she started to foam at the mouth and her tongue started to swell my daughter phoned petcross to say we thought our dog had been poisened and was told to meet them at the surgery. The vet was waiting there when we arrived she gave her an injection immediately and put her on a drip which lasted about an hour we have to take her back thismorning and is still very poorly we cannot praise the vets enough and would just like to advice people to be careful and be vigilant.

Maggymay

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
18/03/2011 08:30

More problems...

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/58641.asp

Navek

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
18/03/2011 08:37

To avoid these brown, hairy caterpillars taking up residence in your pine tree, spray the tree with a SYSTEMIC insecticide. This means that even if the pine tree is tall, the chemical will permeate [be absorbed] from the roots and branches, and the caterpillars will shun treated trees. In fact, the moth that lays the eggs that hatch into the caterpillar larvae, which, in turn, make their impenetrable cocoon, are likely to be deterred, also.



If you spot a grey, rugby ball-shaped cocoon in the pine tree, I think its a good idea to douse the pine tree from the garden hose at high pressure, which will prevent the dust-like, poisonous spores from being released into the surrounding atmosphere. If you have a pressure-washer, so uch the better. Alternatively, from a garden sprayer, adjust the nozzle to produce a jetstream and spray the pine tree with soapy water, so the harmful dust will be held in suspension in the water droplets that form. You can add the insecticide to the mix, too.

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
19/03/2011 00:36

More info on these dangerous wee beasties.

Beware of Pine Processionary Caterpillars...

http://www.grazalemaguide.com/nature-news/34-general-nature/175-beware-of-pine-processionary-caterpillars-.html

Navek

lally


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 77

Message Posted:
19/03/2011 07:30

Had lots of experience over the years with these caterpillars, as we have loads of pine trees in the garden. The Forestry department is supposed to spray the forestry areas each November, but for the last 4 years have failed to do so and consequently they cause havoc and kill hundreds of trees each year. We always cut the nests out of the trees and burn them, don't put them in the rubbish! My friends dog has just been poisoned by them, after obviously trying to eat some. The dog has had part of its tongue and inside cheek destroyed and is still having treatment 4 days after. Keep your dogs away from them if at all possible.

g4551


Joined: 10/03/2011
Posts: 6

Message Posted:
19/03/2011 07:58

spray affected trees with algamek 1.8 ec pesticide that'll sort 'em !

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
19/03/2011 08:28

ATTENTION DOG LOVERS:



The above posting [Msg15] recommends 'Algamek 1.8 ec' - be aware that this contains 'Avermectin'!



I suggest you thoroughly read the following before using this chemical:



http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/U/UNP-0050/UNP-0050.pdf

vikingqueen



Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 241

Message Posted:
21/03/2011 07:20

just wondering which time is best to spray trees...i.e. before season or after?

ataturk


Joined: 09/09/2008
Posts: 712

Message Posted:
21/03/2011 08:13

We came across a similar caterpillar the Brown Tailed Moth in London where we cut and sprayed alot of the maple trees for Islington Council. What we used was a agricultural insecticde. Cant remember which one but it never harmed the trees but killled the caterpillars.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
21/03/2011 10:59

A common [broad spectrum] insecticide to use is 'Malathion' - usually available almost anywhere [except TRNC?!] - spray the tree now, or wait until this forcast rain has finished!



It's probably best to go to the agricultural chemical shop near Girne Hospital for local advice.



A very good spray, which deals with everything, including 'curly leaf' in citrus trees, is BASF 'Confidor' - however, this used to be very expensive in the South [CY£8-00], but was the only spray that would prevent 'curly leaf'. You have to be very careful about spraying insecticides on citrus prior to flowering, otherwise you can drastically reduce flowering, which results in a much reduced fruit crop.